Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Alpha Barry, the court-appointed receiver for the assets of former President Yahya Jammeh and chairman of Alpha Kapital Advisory, on Monday returned before the National Assembly Special Select Committee probing the sale and management of Jammeh’s properties.
In his latest appearance, Barry provided further clarification on property sales, rental income, pending litigations, and key financial transactions carried out under directives from the Ministry of Justice.
Barry explained that various properties across Banjul, Kairaba Avenue, Brufut Heights, Kerr Sering, and Sukuta were either sold, withheld from sale, or returned to government ownership. He noted that several assets remain unsold and are still listed for disposal, pending approval from the Attorney General.
Addressing specific cases, Barry said the sale of the Yarambamba property was canceled due to disputes involving illegal occupation and refund complications.
He also confirmed that properties in Brufut Heights and along Kairaba Avenue required further scrutiny after irregularities emerged during the bidding and transfer process.
On rental income, Barry reported active rent collection from several seized commercial properties, including Sindola Hotel, the Traffic Light retail complex, and business spaces in Kanifing and Bakau.
He said most rent payments were up to date, with occasional delays, and stressed that all proceeds were reported to the Ministry of Justice and recorded in the receivership’s financial statements.
Barry further disclosed that litigation remains ongoing over certain properties such as the Futurelect building and the Traffic Light complex, with ownership disputes still before the courts. Some of these cases, he noted, predate his appointment as receiver.
A key revelation during the session was the sale of the Futurelect property to the Central Bank of The Gambia for D100 million. Barry stated that the transaction was conducted under direct instruction from the Attorney General’s Chambers and followed proper valuation and documentation procedures.
He also confirmed that D50 million was transferred to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) victims’ fund, an action he said was authorized by the Attorney General.
On financial oversight, Barry noted that his office works closely with the Auditor General’s Department to ensure transparency. He clarified that while his office manages rental income and asset upkeep, the Ministry of Justice oversees and approves property sales.
The Committee will continue reviewing documents, financial records, and correspondence between the Receiver’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and other institutions as the probe into the management and disposal of Jammeh’s assets progresses.
